Netball: Newlook Silver Ferns stumble to Australia in opening match of Nations Cup tournament

The Silver Ferns have faded badly over the final quarter, falling to a 63-50 defeat against world champions Australia in the opening match of the Nations Cup at London.

Off to a slow start, the newlook New Zealand line-up fell eight goals behind during the second quarter, but closed within three midway through the third and trailled by only five entering the final stanza.

The Diamonds dominated the closing phase 19-11, including a telling 6-1 run that extinguished the Ferns' hopes of an upset to open their campaign.

Without the experience of Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Te Paea Selby-Rickit or Maia Wilson - all left home in New Zealand - coach Dame Noeline Taurua awarded debutant Georgia Heffernan for her first appearance in the black dress, as attack partner to shooter Grace Nweke.

Heffernan joined twin sister Kate (wing defence) in the starting line-up and played the entire game for a baptism of fire, acquitting herself well, with a shooting return of 9/11 (82 percent). 

Australia 63 (Koenen 23, Garbin 17, Austin 16, Dwyer 7) Silver Ferns 50 (Nweke 41, G Heffernan 9)

More to come

The Silver Ferns have faded badly over the final quarter, falling to a 63-50 defeat against world champions Australia in the opening match of the Nations Cup at London.

Off to a slow start, the newlook New Zealand line-up fell eight goals behind during the second quarter, but closed within three midway through the third and trailled by only five entering the final stanza.

The Diamonds dominated the closing phase 19-11, including a telling 6-1 run that extinguished the Ferns' hopes of an upset to open their campaign.

Without the experience of Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Te Paea Selby-Rickit or Maia Wilson - all left home in New Zealand - coach Dame Noeline Taurua awarded debutant Georgia Heffernan for her first appearance in the black dress, as attack partner to shooter Grace Nweke.

Heffernan joined twin sister Kate (wing defence) in the starting line-up and played the entire game for a baptism of fire, acquitting herself well, with a shooting return of 9/11 (82 percent). 

Australia 63 (Koenen 23, Garbin 17, Austin 16, Dwyer 7) Silver Ferns 50 (Nweke 41, G Heffernan 9)

More to come

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